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US History

INTRODUCTION

The United Colonies was the term that was used to describe the 13 colonies that made up America before the declaration of independence on September 9, 1776. This article shows why Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 instead of September 9 and looks at the events that lead to the independence of the USA.

BEFORE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

In 1754 Benjamin Franklin attempted in vain to bring the 13 colonies of America together to fight against the threat of the Native Americans and the French. He created the Albany Plan of Union in order for the colonies to come together and fight against the Indians and the French. His slogan of “Join or Die” was largely ignored and the 13 colonies remained as separate colonies. The 13 original colonies comprised:

North Carolina

South Carolina

Delaware

Connecticut

Georgia

Massachusetts

Maryland

New Hampshire

New York

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

New Jersey

Virginia

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

A treaty was reached in 1763 to bring an end to the war between the French and the Native Americans. This treaty also included the giving of valuable North American land to Great Britain. The British then tried to prevent American colonists from settling in this new land they had recently required. Furthermore, the French who has settled here were unwilling to give up their land and the property to the British. The British reacted by designing The Royal Proclamation in October 7, 1763

Between the years of 1763 and 1776, unrest began to show in the colonies as the people felt the taxes imposed by Great Britain were unfair. Furthermore, the colonists did not agree with The Royal Proclamation causing even more discontent. Events such as these led to the American Revolution as Patriots sided with the British and others fought for independence.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Richard Henry Lee presented his resolution to Congress on June 7, 1776 and this was finally approved July 2, 1776 bringing John Adams to believe the date July 2 would be the best date to celebrate Independence Day. Finally on September 9, 1776 it was formally recognised that the 13 Colonies would be known by the new name United States of America.

CONCLUSION

Independence Day is celebrated near to the day that the colonies were granted independence from Britain and not the day when the United States of America was granted its name.